Challenges Other Brendan Mahoney To Obamacare Debate

October 05, 2013|Letter to the editor

When I read the headline "Brendan Mahoney Signs Up for Obamacare"on Thursday at RealClearPolitics.com, I feared the worst. Was my computer taking over or was I being set up? After reading the underlying Courant article, I realized that this was another 30-year-old Brendan Mahoney from Hartford County [Oct. 4, Connecticut, "Two 30-Year-Olds Have Same Name But Different Views"].

How different we are. Obamacare did not "make my day"; I am horrified of rationed, DMV-style care; and am staunchly opposed to the Affordable Care Act.

Given Chief Justice John Roberts' declaration that the ACA is constitutional, I will limit my comments here to policy grounds. First, forcing insurers to underwrite those with pre-existing conditions is actuarial suicide, improperly socializing cost, not risk. Second, Obamacare's purchasing power, coupled with that of Medicare and Medicaid, approaches a monopoly that will bankrupt hospitals, private practices, pharmaceutical companies, and ultimately, the republic. Third, giving government control over health care decisions and information engenders paranoia and hatred of Washington, which poisons civil society.

The ACA will not long stand. To further the public discourse and common good, I invite the other Brendan Mahoney to a spirited and civil debate.